It’s our Freo slogan, the Noongar way.

For the 2019 Sir Doug Nicholls Round, Fremantle will proudly use the hashtag #KalyakoorlWalyalup (Forever Freo) across all social media platforms.

Fremantle’s Sir Doug Nicholls Round clash will be played on Sunday at Optus Stadium against Brisbane, with the game proudly presented by Woodside.

Season 2019 marks the thirteenth year the AFL has celebrated the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and their contribution to Australian Football and is the fourth year the dedicated round has been named in honour of Sir Doug Nicholls.

AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan outlined the significance of the Sir Doug Nicholls Round during the round’s launch on Monday.

"This week we recognise Sir Doug Nicholls for his impact on the AFL and more importantly in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across the country,” McLachlan said.

“I am proud of how we collectively, as an industry have embraced the celebration of this round in Sir Doug Nicholls’ name.

“Sir Doug Nicholls was not only a pioneer on the football field, but an advocate for change off the field.” 

AFL General Manager Inclusion and Social Policy Tanya Hosch said this year’s round, while continuing to celebrate the contribution of Sir Doug Nicholls, will highlight Australian Football Legend Michael Long’s contribution to the game and the community. 

“Michael’s contribution to the game both on and off the field has been one that has enriched our sport,” Ms Hosch said.

“Leaders such as Michael and the influence of his tireless work around the country has helped pave the way for the next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players to maximise their time in the game and reach their full potential.” 

Long becomes the second individual to be honoured during the Sir Doug Nicholls Round, following Geelong champion Graham Polly Farmer who was acknowledged for his significant contribution to both football and the community during the dedicated round in 2018. 

Playing 190 AFL games between 1989 and 2001, Long’s elite playing history and accolades are well documented; a dual AFL premiership player with Essendon, the 1993 Norm Smith Medallist and the first Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander player to captain an AFL team.

Off the field, Long is an advocate for reconciliation and continues to make a stand against racism and close the gap between young Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

Celebrating the fifteenth-year anniversary of The Long Walk, Long said he was honoured to be recognised in the AFL’s dedicated Round.

“It’s a huge honour to be recognised in the 2019 Sir Doug Nicholls Round and acknowledged for my contribution to the game,” he said. 

“I’m extremely proud of my achievements both on and off the field and look forward to being part of Sir Doug Nicholls Round which has become a significant event on the AFL calendar.”

The Sir Doug Nicholls Round will be celebrated across Rounds 10 and 11, beginning with the Marngrook match between Sydney and Collingwood at the SCG on Friday night.

In addition, each match during Sir Doug Nicholls Round will have the Aboriginal flag painted in the centre circle and the Torres Strait Island flag painted on the 50 metre markings on each half of the field.